Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

We ate at the Peruvian restaurant tonight and I actually left a note on the receipt telling the manager it was the worst service I’ve had in recent memory. First the restaurant was maybe at 30% capacity so you would think staff would not be a problem. I had to ask for my glass of wine to multiple people even though my dates drink came right out, but when she asked for a second drink midway through the meal it never showed up. I had to ask 3 times to get a refill on my water. My ribeye that was ordered medium rare came out well done and just a chewy poor cut of meat, in short just about everything that was in their control went wrong. On top of everything there was a family that was sat next to us with a screaming toddler the whole meal, now I know the restaurant has limited control of this but guys it’s the Ritz Carlton not a fast food joint, my date and I noticed every table in earshot was also not enjoying their meal because of this rude family and when I brought it up to staff they offered to move me to a table inside when I specifically reserved a table outside, it’s a beautiful Costa Rica night and we should not have to move in the middle of our meal because of a disruptive table, it should have been handled differently for us and the other neighboring tables. What’s worse was when we finished the meal after several comments to the waiter on how bad the experience had been he offered me a free dessert to make up for it, I told him I could not get out of this place fast enough. I eat out a lot at high end restaurants and even waited tables in college so I’m sympathetic to things they can and cannot control, in my opinion this is the worst managed Ritz Carlton restaurant I’ve ever eaten at and I wasted $400 tonight on a really bad experience.

This Ritz Reserve property just opened in spring 2025 and the property is absolutely stunning. The service, however, is a bit rough at the moment. Here’s a few examples… - the beach is beautiful but chairs, towels and water are not available until ~9:30am - there is a Nespresso machine in the room but when we requested a decaf pod, they took all the full-caf pods - there is a mini bar but when I asked for the prices, they said to let them know the one thing I wanted and they would let me know the price - the technology appears advanced but when I pushed the Do Not Disturb button to nap, housekeeping rang the doorbell over and over until we answered the door If I seem like a complainer, this is one of the most expensive hotels in all of Costa Rica so I, honestly expected more.

This is by far the most beautiful resort I have ever been to!! It’s stunning beyond words. We were greeted by the manager the bell staff and our personal butler or manzu as they call it. There is no lobby you are instead taken by your butler straight to your room folding a tour of the property. The rooms are the most luxurious rooms possible. They spared no expense in any area. The staff are the kindest and most accommodating staff I’ve ever witnessed. Dayshen our Manzu was flawless. I will never forget this hotel ever. It’s the most pampering and perfect hotel one could ever imagine!!!

We had the absolute best time at Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. From the moment we arrived, the service was attentive, warm, and seamless. The room itself was incredible, with every detail thoughtfully designed. This stay exceeded our expectations in every way. Highlights included the unforgettable dinner at Paruro and cocktails at Cooper’s Speakeasy- both experiences not to be missed. We are already looking forward to returning and can’t recommend this stunning property enough!

Our family stayed at this property for a few days for our summer vacation last week. Hansel was our concierge during this stay. I don’t ever take time to write reviews online, which should tell you that something extraordinary must have happened to prompt me to write this. Indeed, our experience was extraordinary. Hansel went above and beyond to make our stay exceptionally comfortable, catering to every possible need and request we’ve made, and then some. Think Four Seasons level of service, and then multiply it by 10. Another shout-out goes to Adrian, who took me and my son for a nature walk to remember. His knowledge of native animals and plants, and his passion for sharing his love of nature left us in awe. The property itself is out of this word gorgeous. Our room was a beautiful relaxing oasis designed for the most discerning traveler’s needs in mind, with mind-blowing views of the ocean and lush tropics. The views are simply to die for, no matter where you are on the property. The food is beyond delightful. I can’t recommend this property enough. I’d like to thank Ritz Carlton Reserve for giving us a vacation to remember for years to come. I also would like to personally thank Hansel and the rest of the staff for making us feel so well taken care of that we felt like visiting family. We can’t wait to go back!

We tossed up between Nekajui and the Four Seasons. Our stay is next week but based on the response times so far from the concierge we are already regretting our decision. We have been emailing for over a week and still have nothing booked. Not the experience we normally expect from this brand.